By being a landlord you are running a business, which brings with it responsibilities and legal duties.

For further information, please contact us:

• Telephone: 01789 260848
• Email: psht@stratford-dc.gov.uk

Landlord Responsibilities

As a landlord it is your responsibility to comply with many items of legislation. Before you rent your property you must ensure it is safe, free from hazards and in a good state of repair. Landlords are expected to address any reported repairs in a reasonable time frame. Where it is reported that this is not the case, Stratford-on-Avon District Council can take specific action to compel you to bring the property up to a satisfactory standard.

There are always new items of legislation, regulation, guidance and/or good practice being published that landlords and agents must adhere to ensure that they remain within the legal framework and to avoid penalties and enforcement.

The council is eager to ensure that landlords and agents providing accommodation for rent in the Stratford-on-Avon area are kept up-to-date with all significant developments that may impact them, so they can operate within the law and at the highest standard.

Setting up a tenancy

Landlords and Agents are responsible for completing a number of checks along with providing tenants with a set of documents when signing a new tenancy. We have created a useful checklist which outlines the basic responsibilities and obligations that should be considered.

Failure to provide these can prevent a landlord from serving a section 21 eviction notice when they choose to seek possession of the property back. Some useful guides are available to download. Many landlords choose to use a letting agent to let and set up the tenancy on their behalf.

Smoke and Carbon Dioxide Alarms

As of 1st October 2015 all private rented properties must have a minimum of one smoke alarm on every storey of the property and carbon monoxide alarms are required in any properties that burn solid fuels. You can be fined up to £5,000 if this is not the case. Please see the relevant Statement of Principles.

Landlord Newsletter

The Renters' Rights Act brings changes to the rental market from 1st May 2026 and there will be more changes moving forward. Our newsletter will help you remain informed of these key changes along with local news relating to the Private Rented Sector.

If you would like to receive future copies of our newsletter, please email PSHT@stratford-dc.gov.uk

Landlord Accreditation

The council recommends that landlords and letting agents undertake training such as the NRLA Accreditation.